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Exploring Symbolism in Poetry

in Poetry Discussion

Greetings fellow poets and enthusiasts of verse,

As we gather once again to celebrate the beauty of language and expression, let us turn our attention to the powerful tool of symbolism in poetry. Symbolism has long been a cornerstone of poetic composition, allowing writers to imbue their works with deeper layers of meaning and significance.

From the enigmatic allure of a rose to the haunting echoes of a raven's call, symbols have the ability to evoke emotions, convey themes, and invite readers into a world of interpretation and exploration. Whether it's a metaphorical representation of love, loss, or the passage of time, symbolism adds richness and complexity to the poetic landscape.

What symbols resonate most deeply with you in your own poetry, and why? Do you believe that symbols hold universal meaning, or are they subjective constructs shaped by individual experiences and perspectives? How do you approach the incorporation of symbolism into your poetic creations, and what do you hope readers will take away from your use of symbols?

16 comments

Comments (16)

Adam Gary

Mar 21

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Does anyone think it is possible to write a poem that has multiple conscious messages? I don’t know how to word it and it’s early in morning as I sit on my security desk at work so forgive me if this is hard to understand.

But different cultures around the world have different meanings behind the same symbol. Then you have to think about the poet and their personal use of symbolism and what it means to them.

Therefore as poets, do you think it is possible to write a poem, that still makes sense but with completely different meanings across the world… or is that too much a spaghetti junction mind puzzle?

Adam Gary

Mar 23

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Replying to

Yes that is the beautiful art of poetry. I have had a few people tell me they love a poem of mine because XYZ which is nothing like what I had in my head when writing the poem. I never tell them otherwise because I want them to cherish the poem for how THEY relate.

But as Nathalie said above, there are so many different culture differences with phrasing etc. I thought it might be a fun (or extremely stressful) mind puzzle to try and consciously write a poem, using symbolism but knowingly give it multiple messages. It would be an incredible task.

So for example Nathalie says the flea phrase has a negative meaning in England, but in Germany a positive one. So is there way of creating a linear story or poem knowing the opposing meanings but have it make sense on both cultures… perhaps we need to put together a task team of Covers and try it

Yvonne Calder

Mar 23

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Replying to

Yes it is a challenge because the poem would have to be meaningful with both interpretations. A really simple accessible storyline. I keep thinking

Nathalie Tasler

Mar 25

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Replying to

yes poetry task force! I love the idea

Yvonne Calder

Mar 20

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Symbolism changes in meaning if you experienced the referent. I think it is crows that I have heard. Currawongs are a more social bird, there calls are a language between themselves even when they appear to be on their own. Egyptian and Ancient Greek symbolism has a meaning for me but if I lived in either of these civilisations with my meaning I would probably be dead before I reached five. So do they have universal meaning, in the sense of they maintain meaning the answer is yes. In the sense do they mean the same for people living in different circumstances I think the answer is no. I like the micromovements of a natural environment as symbolises of its dynamism but I have only written of the statistics of built environments. Adam Gary I am still thinking about the other questions

Nathalie Tasler

Mar 21

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Replying to

I am really interested in the micromovements of natural environments you are talking about @Yvonne and am wondering if there might be a poem in there?

Yvonne Calder

Mar 21

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Replying to

Yes lichens are a good starting point. I wrote poem (I need to find) on water in rock pool that also tried to capture this.

Yvonne Calder

Mar 21

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Replying to

I listen to calls of a Australian Raven last night. I have heard them but I will listen to their northern hemisphere counterparts and see what it inspires.

Nathalie Tasler

Mar 20

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I had to think about this for a couple of days. If I look at my own poetry I often use weather as a symbol for moods, but I or characters of a plant for instance to create a tension.

This one for instance would interest me what you make off the symbolism (I don't like the last two lines) because I have a specific reason and idea why I wrote this.

Thorny beauty

catches your eye

blinding you–temporarily

to the greenhouse roses

without bouquet.

Rough bark,

strong stem,

thorns a dagger’s envy,

lush green thickness,

scent intoxicating,

all so unnerving,

you won’t notice,

the gentle blossoms

—pink—

amongst the complex vitality.

Standing tall within her beauty,

she remains innocent

to your feeble blight,

absorbed in the joy

of warmth and sunlight.

Yvonne Calder

Mar 20

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Replying to

I assume thorny beauty refers to a cut flower, or something processed to fit storybook expectations of beauty. The poem is asserting celebrate the living, growing plant. The beauty of symbolism is there is no one answer. I was crape at English because there was not one answer, give me Algebra anyday.

Nathalie Tasler

Mar 21

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Replying to

I had to google that term thank you!

Still not too keen on the last two lines

Nathalie Tasler

Mar 21

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Replying to

I am so with you! I remember arguing with a teacher because he said my interpretation was wrong, and I told him that this is the nature of interpretation. Your take is very interesting :)